Personal Narrative Essay
Todd W Russell Jr
Interdisciplinary Studies
Professor Andrews
January 24, 2025
Introduction
Looking back at my path into cybersecurity, I can trace it all back to my dad. My dad has been working in cybersecurity for over 20 years now, and he’s been a constant source of inspiration and guidance. One of my earliest memories of cybersecurity comes from when he worked at the Pentagon. I was in the second grade, and my mom was out of town, leaving my dad unable to find a babysitter for his night shift. As a result, he took me to work with him. That night, I experienced something that would shape my future interests and career.
I remember sleeping over at the Pentagon, eating popcorn while my dad worked. He explained his job to me in a way that an elementary school kid could understand. I saw screens filled with flags from different countries, and he told me they represented incoming potential threats. His job was to prevent those threats from penetrating the system. I was amazed by how he was protecting critical systems from attacks originating worldwide. Seeing his work firsthand made a strong impression on me. It was incredible to think that my dad played such an important role in national security, and it sparked my curiosity about the field.
High School
Fast forward to high school, where I took my first steps toward understanding technology and cybersecurity. I enrolled in a computer science class where we learned Python. One of our tasks was to use commands and formulas to make fish swim across an aquarium scene or perform specific tasks. We also worked on coding a Mario game, programming the character to jump and move. While the class was challenging, I found it deeply intriguing. This initial exposure to programming opened the door to more possibilities, and I realized I enjoyed the problem-solving aspects of coding.
Later, I took a simple networking class through NOVA, which further piqued my interest in cybersecurity and networking. The class provided a solid foundation and increased my understanding of how networks operate. Around the same time, I began creating websites, which added another layer to my growing skill set. These experiences helped me decide that cybersecurity was the path I wanted to pursue.
College
When I started college at Old Dominion University, I declared my major in cybersecurity. My first year primarily consisted of introductory courses, but I didn’t want to wait to gain real-world experience. During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years, I secured an internship with Virginia Cancer Specialists in Fairfax, VA. Initially, my role was to enter medical data into the system and assist patients over the phone with scheduling appointments. However, I leveraged my connections within the company and expressed my interest in IT. Thanks to these conversations, I was given an opportunity to work with the IT team.
This internship became a significant milestone in my journey. I still work there today as a temporary employee. During my time with the IT team, I’ve learned numerous technical skills and gained valuable experience. I’ve learned how to patch ports, use command prompt effectively, connect printers to a network, manage cords, and even relocate several workstations to a different building and bring them back online. These hands-on tasks solidified my interest in IT and allowed me to build practical skills that I can apply in a cybersecurity career.
In addition to my internship, I’ve also ventured into entrepreneurial projects with my roommates. We started a clothing line, and I took charge of designing and launching our website. Although we used Shopify to streamline the process, I utilized my knowledge of HTML to customize the site and overcome the platform’s limitations. When certain features weren’t available through Shopify’s standard options, we added custom code to achieve the desired functionality. This project not only allowed me to apply my technical skills but also demonstrated how technology can be a tool for creativity and business development.
Conclusion
All these experiences have shaped my passion for cybersecurity and IT. From witnessing my dad’s work at the Pentagon to exploring programming, networking, and web development, each step has deepened my interest and commitment to the field. I’ve come to appreciate how technology underpins so many aspects of our lives and the critical role cybersecurity plays in protecting those systems.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the opportunities and challenges that a career in cybersecurity will bring. I know there is still so much to learn and accomplish, but I’m eager to continue growing and building on the foundation I’ve established. Whether it’s through internships, coursework, or personal projects, I’m committed to advancing my skills and making meaningful contributions to the field. My journey into cybersecurity began with my dad’s influence, but it has become a path that I’ve embraced wholeheartedly. I can’t wait to see how far this career will take me and what new milestones I’ll achieve along the way.